SHORE EXCURSIONS

Take an approximately 45-minute boat tour along the tip of this long and desolate peninsula. View pristine beaches, towering rock formations and the famed Los Arcos - a dramatic natural rock that arches out of the sea. A complimentary beverage will be served aboard while you listen to an recorded narration by Jean-Michel Cousteau about the underwater life and fragile ecology of Baja California.

You’ll be escorted to your motorcoach for an approximate 15-minute drive through town to a hand-blown glass workshop to witness artisans, as they create artwork from molten glass. You’ll have an opportunity to purchase items before continuing to a scenic stop for an unforgettable view of Land’s End, its famed arch and your ship at anchor. Here you’ll have ample time to enjoy a complimentary beverage, take pictures or just relax and enjoy the view.

OVERVIEW

Cruise the turquoise seas off Mazatlan in a sleek triple-hulled trimaran and enjoy an array of water activities while anchored off Deer Island. While cruising along the coast with a refreshing mimosa in hand, you will pass Bird Island, part of a pristine ecological reserve that is protected from development. Similarly, only wildlife inhabits larger Deer Island, which also lies within the reserve. Depending on where the trimaran drops anchor, you may spot seabirds, pods of dolphin and seals along the coast. You will be free to enjoy the crystal-clear waters as you please. You might take a leisurely dip, float around on a swim noodle, paddle off in a kayak and bask in the sun while stretched out on a water mat. All the gear is available on board as is a box lunch whenever you get hungry. The open bar will make the adventure all the more enjoyable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in the tropical views while sailing along the coast in a triple-hulled trimaran.
• Engage in all sorts of water activities while anchored off uninhabited Deer Island.
• Enjoy a box lunch on board and an open bar throughout the cruise.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover Puerto Vallarta´s charming Downtown and Oldtown districts with the help of your friendly, bilingual guide. You´ll ride in air conditioned comfort to the center of downtown where you´ll have a chance to stroll the length of our Malecon (seawall) to see our collection of sculptures by local and international artists.

You´ll visit the main square, where your guide will take you through the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and keep you entertained and informed along the way. Enjoy a stroll down the Cuale River Island's colorful garden pathway. Re-board the coach briefly to ride to our refreshment/restroom and shopping stop. Complimentary beverages are offered as well as free tequila tastings, as you shop or observe the local artists at work. Afterward, we'll make the short walk to Vallarta's newest attraction, Mosaic Park, which has become one of the most impressive collections of urban art, anywhere. The entire area shimmers and sparkles with Mexican themes, covering everything from the columns to the benches. We'll spend about 40 minutes there, before returning directly to the ship.

Located just a few miles northeast of Ensenada, about 850 feet above sea level lies Calafia Valley, home to the Casa Dona Lupe and L.A. Cetto wineries. This remote region of the Baja Peninsula is recognized as the best suited area in Mexico for growing grapes and for the production of high quality wines. These wineries are pioneers in the development of wine in Mexico, using old world methods. They’ve been around for centuries and are highly respected for the sherry and brandy they produce.

Enjoy the scenic drive to the valley, while you listen to the narration of your tour guide about the history of Ensenada and the Baja area, as well as the local customs and traditions. Upon arrival to each winery, you’ll have a 20 minute overview of the production process, including the pressing, aging and bottling. At the conclusion, you’ll have an opportunity to taste selected wines, served with assorted cheese and biscuits. You’ll also be able to purchase wines.

Set out by comfortable motorized catamaran on a delightful coastal cruise to admire breathtaking landscapes, unspoiled beaches and secluded coves. View spectacular golf resorts and impressive developments along the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean coastlines and the famous arch at Land's End. The waters of the Sea of Cortez are visited by thousands of whales that migrate yearly toward the warmer tides. At least six different types of whales spout and breach as they swim around the gulf. They include California gray whales, the finbacks, the humpbacks and the mighty blue whales – the largest animals to inhabit the earth. Whale watching is a favorite pastime, so keep your cameras poised. The Cousteau Society has done some of its best film making right here. Admire breathtaking landscapes, miles of unspoiled beaches and private secluded coves, while sipping unlimited rum, margaritas, tequila, beer and sodas and munching on chips and salsa.

Discover all the color, charm, and excitement of Puerto Vallarta when you board your air-conditioned coach and settle in for a relaxing sightseeing. Experience the ride along the main highway to the beautiful Old Town. Known for its varied architecture, sparkling beaches, and festive atmosphere, that welcomes you with an easy mix of historic sights and natural beauty. Enjoy the Malecón, a mile-long walkway along the expansive coastline of Banderas Bay. Keep an eye out for the famous Seahorse statue by artist Rafael Zamarripa. Continue past the Palacio Municipal and the main plaza with its cobblestone streets and red-tile roofs as you head to the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe before continuing your drive toward the vibrant hotel strip.

From a distance, you can view the villa-dotted hillside enclave called Gringo Gulch, where many of the rich and famous have their homes. Take in the breathtaking view from Olas Altas, one of the most popular beaches and well known as the Zona Romantica and Conchas Chinas, famous for its dramatic vistas and architecture. Then we´re going to head to a traditional Mexican market for a complimentary margarita and free time to browse the Huichol art, artisanal candies, tequila, and silver handcrafts. If you like, you can stay in town longer and make your own way back to ship by taxi ride or local bus.

Explore the heart and soul of Mazatlan and be amazed by Mexico´s ancient culture and Post-Hispanic era. Your tour will begin by stopping at Vigia Hill for a perfect view of the world’s highest natural Lighthouse, offshore islands and Mazatlan’s scenic coast line. Then, ride through the city’s historic center for a visit to the 19th-century cathedral. Take a short drive to see the famous cliff divers. Next, enjoy a show at the Spectaculare Theatre, the history of Mexico with a semblance of Mayan rituals and their prophecies combined with the most representative folkloric dances. A complimentary drink will be offered at the show venue. After the show, you’ll have some free time to shop in the Golden Zone.

This tour includes a brief, yet comprehensive look at Ensenada. Visit the Riviera del Pacifico which was once a glamorous resort and casino, renowned for its architecture and famous clientele from Douglas Fairbanks Jr. to Al Capone. Enjoy a complimentary margarita as you appreciate the impressive surroundings.

You’ll stop at the oldest continuously running winery in Mexico – Bodegas de Santo Tomas for a tour of the winery and a wine tasting. You’ll also visit Ensenada’s main shopping district, offering everything from Mexican handicrafts to imported items. You’ll have one hour of free time to shop before you are escorted back to your ship.

This excursion combines the charm of both the old and new Mexico. Begin with a drive through the Marina Vallarta area and a stop at the small village’s local church. Continue to Hacienda Dona Engracia, one of the finest tequila factories in the area for a first-hand look at the manufacturing process of tequila and some free time to explore the grounds of this working hacienda. A short shopping stop will be made on the way into the center of Puerto Vallarta where you can walk along the popular Malecon, visit the Cathedral of our Lady of Guadalupe and see Old Town City Hall, while taking in fantastic views of the waterfront and the charm of the cobblestone streets. You may choose to stay in town on your own or return to your ship.

Set course on a delightful two hour coastal cruise to admire breathtaking landscapes, miles of unspoiled beaches and private secluded coves, while sipping unlimited beer and soda. Enjoy views of impressive resorts, as you cruise along the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific coastline.

Cruise by the famed El Arco, a dramatic natural rock that arches out of the sea at the very tip of the longest, most desolate peninsula in the world. You’ll pass a sea lion colony and the idyllic Lover’s Beach - one of the few beaches in the world that shares two seas, before heading back to the marina.

OVERVIEW

Ride an open-air trolley through Old Town and hop off at attractions where the city’s history comes to life. Being on the coast, Mazatlán has long revolved around the sea as you will discover at the Monument to the Fisherman, a statue by the large, multi-colored letters that spell “Mazatlán”. Nearby, you will see street vendors selling freshly caught shrimp and pause to watch daring cliff divers leap into the crashing ocean 50 feet below. Playa Olas Atlas – Mazatlán's Old beach front (not recommended to swim)– helped fuel its early tourism in the 1950s and is still a popular draw. Even so, Old Town’s attractions aren’t all water related. The trolley will also allow time for shopping and to visit the twin-spired 19th-century Immaculate Conception Cathedral. From Watchman’s Hill, you will see why the Spaniards found Mazatlán's natural harbor so appealing when they established a settlement there nearly 500 years ago.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride through Old Town on a trolley for an outstanding overview of Mazatlán.
• Drop by the Fisherman’s Monument and pass by the city’s Old Beachfront..
• Admire architectural treasures such as the 19th-century Immaculate Conception Cathedral.
• Watch cliff-divers perform death-defying leaps into the sea.
• Snap a selfie at the sign that spells “Mazatlán” in large colorful letters by the Fisherman´s Monument.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes and a hat.

Sit back and enjoy the city highlights as you listen to your guide’s narration of the area’s history. You’ll stop at Baja Califonia’s oldest winery founded in 1888 – Bodegas Santo Tomas – for a complimentary wine tasting.

The highlight of your tour will be the 25-mile drive to the south for approximately one hour, along the Baja California countryside to scenic Punta Banda. This area is famous for the spectacular blowhole called La Bufadora, a natural sea spout that shoots water from 60 to 100 feet into the air, depending on the tide. You’ll have free time to experience the flavors of Mexico at the open-air market, with a wide selection of national art. You’ll also visit Ensenada’s main shopping district, offering everything from Mexican handicrafts to imported items. You may return to the ship with your guide or remain and return on your own.